Labor and employment law in Turkey continues to evolve rapidly, especially with the increasing number of foreign employees, multinational companies, and cross-border investments. Whether you are an employer seeking full compliance with Turkish labor regulations or an employee facing unlawful termination, working with experienced labor lawyers in Turkey is essential for protection and clarity.
At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, we have been providing multilingual Turkish labor law services since 1992. Our team offers practical, results-driven legal solutions tailored to both corporate clients and individuals.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Turkish Labor Law
- Key Services Provided by Labor Lawyers
- Why You Need Skilled Labor Lawyers in Turkey
- Key Labor & Employment Law Services We Provide
- Why Choose Akkas & Associates Law Firm?
- Common Employment Issues We Handle in Turkey
- FAQs About Labor Lawyers in Turkey
- Contact our Labor Lawyers in Turkey
Understanding Turkish Labor Law
Turkish labor law is primarily governed by the Labor Law No. 4857, which establishes comprehensive protections for employees while outlining employer obligations. The Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security regularly updates regulations to reflect changing workplace dynamics and economic conditions.
Labor lawyers in Turkey specialize in interpreting these complex regulations and ensuring compliance with current standards. From employment contracts to severance disputes, these legal professionals provide essential guidance across all employment-related matters.
Key Services Provided by Labor Lawyers
Employment Contract Review and Drafting
One of the fundamental services labor lawyers offer is reviewing and drafting employment contracts. These documents establish the foundation of the employer-employee relationship and must comply with Turkish labor legislation. A well-drafted contract protects both parties and minimizes future disputes.
Wrongful Termination and Severance Cases
Wrongful termination claims represent a significant portion of labor law cases in Turkey. When employees believe they’ve been unjustly dismissed, labor lawyers at Akkas & Associates evaluate the circumstances and determine whether grounds exist for legal action.
Turkish law provides substantial protection against unfair dismissal, particularly for employees with job security status. Severance payments, notice periods, and reinstatement rights all require careful legal analysis.
Workplace Discrimination and Harassment
Turkey’s constitution and labor laws prohibit discrimination based on language, race, color, gender, political opinion, philosophical belief, religion, or similar factors. Labor lawyers help victims of workplace discrimination or harassment pursue justice through administrative complaints or civil litigation.
The International Labour Organization standards also influence Turkey’s approach to workplace equality and fair treatment.
Collective Bargaining and Union Relations
For unionized workplaces, labor lawyers facilitate collective bargaining negotiations and resolve disputes between unions and employers. Understanding the Trade Unions and Collective Bargaining Agreements Law is essential for navigating these complex relationships.
Social Security and Benefits Compliance
Turkish employers must comply with extensive social security regulations administered by the Social Security Institution (SGK). Labor lawyers ensure proper registration, premium payments, and benefit calculations while representing clients in social security disputes.
Why You Need Skilled Labor Lawyers in Turkey
Employment relationships in Turkey are regulated by the Labor Law, Social Security Law, Code of Obligations, and a variety of secondary regulations. Companies and employees often encounter complex legal issues such as termination procedures, severance calculations, workplace disputes, and compliance audits.
Working with knowledgeable Turkish labor lawyers helps ensure:
- Compliance with all employment regulations
- Correct application of termination procedures
- Prevention of costly disputes and penalties
- Protection of employee and employer rights
- Proper drafting of employment contracts and workplace policies
Our team offers comprehensive legal support for both local and international clients navigating the Turkish labor law landscape.
Key Labor & Employment Law Services We Provide
1. Drafting & Reviewing Employment Contracts
We prepare and review employment contracts in line with Turkish legislation. Whether fixed-term, indefinite, remote work, or senior executive contracts, we help ensure full compliance and enforceability.
2. Termination & Severance Compensation
Unlawful termination cases remain one of the most common disputes in Turkey. We guide employers on correct procedures and represent employees who suffer unfair or unjust termination.
3. Workplace Policies & Regulatory Compliance
We assist companies with drafting workplace rules, HR policies, internal directives, and compliance systems, ensuring alignment with Turkish labor and occupational safety regulations.
4. Employment Litigation & Arbitration
Our labor litigation team provides representation before courts, mediation offices, and arbitration bodies across Turkey. We also offer preventive legal counseling to resolve disputes before they escalate.
5. Social Security & Workplace Accident Claims
We assist with workplace accident claims, social security disputes, recourse actions, and related compensation matters.
Why Choose Akkas & Associates Law Firm?
Multilingual Legal Assistance
We provide legal services in English, Turkish, Arabic, Russian, French, and several other languages—making communication easy for foreign employees and global companies.
More Than 30 Years of Experience
Established in 1992, our firm has decades of experience handling employment disputes, compliance matters, and legal audits for international and domestic clients.
Tailored Legal Strategies
Every labor issue is unique. We develop customized strategies that protect your interests while complying with Turkish labor regulations.
Strong Courtroom Representation
Our litigators have extensive experience in labor courts, mediation processes, and arbitration. We stand by your side through every procedural step.
Common Employment Issues We Handle in Turkey
- Unlawful termination
- Mobbing (workplace harassment)
- Salary and overtime disputes
- Social security conflicts
- Workplace injury claims
- Discrimination allegations
- Reinstatement lawsuits
- Non-competition and confidentiality violations
- Remote work and flexible work disputes
Our labor lawyers ensure that both employers and employees receive clear guidance and strong legal protection.
FAQs About Labor Lawyers in Turkey
Q: How much does it cost to hire a labor lawyer in Turkey?
A: Legal fees vary depending on case complexity and the lawyer’s experience. Some lawyers charge hourly rates, while others work on contingency for employee cases or fixed fees for contract reviews. Initial consultations are often offered at reduced rates or complimentary. It’s best to discuss fee structures during your first meeting.
Q: How long do labor court cases typically take in Turkey?
A: Labor court proceedings in Turkey generally take between 6 to 18 months for first-instance decisions, though complex cases may take longer. Appeals can extend the timeline considerably. Mandatory mediation before litigation may resolve cases faster, sometimes within a few months.
Q: Can foreign employees work in Turkey without special permits?
A: No, foreign nationals generally require work permits to be legally employed in Turkey. Exceptions exist for certain categories, such as Turkish citizens of foreign birth or specific international agreement beneficiaries. Employers must obtain work permits before foreign employees can legally commence work.
Q: What are the consequences of working without proper documentation in Turkey?
A: Working without proper authorization can result in deportation, entry bans, and fines for employees. Employers face substantial administrative fines, potential criminal liability, and may be prohibited from hiring foreign workers in the future. Both parties should ensure compliance with work permit requirements.
Q: Are verbal employment agreements valid in Turkey?
A: While Turkish law recognizes verbal employment contracts as valid, written agreements are strongly recommended and legally required for certain employment types. Written contracts provide clear evidence of terms and help prevent disputes. For employment exceeding one year, written contracts become mandatory.
Q: What severance payments are employees entitled to in Turkey?
A: Employees who complete at least one year of service and whose employment ends under qualifying circumstances are entitled to severance pay equal to 30 days’ gross salary for each year worked. The amount is subject to an annual ceiling. Additional payments may apply depending on termination circumstances and collective agreements.
Q: Can employers terminate employees at will in Turkey?
A: No, Turkish labor law provides significant protection against arbitrary termination. Employees with job security status (generally those employed for at least six months in workplaces with 30+ employees) can only be terminated for valid reasons defined by law. Invalid terminations may result in reinstatement orders and compensation awards.
Contact our Labor Lawyers in Turkey
In the realm of Turkish employment law, having access to expert legal counsel is invaluable for both employers and employees. At Akkas & Associates Law Firm, our dedicated team of labor lawyers in Turkey is committed to safeguarding your rights, offering comprehensive legal services in employment contracts, termination, overtime payment, mobbing, and all matters related to labor law.
With our expertise by your side, you can navigate the complex landscape of Turkish employment laws with confidence.
Contact Akkas & Associates Law Firm today to benefit from our unparalleled legal guidance and ensure your compliance with Turkish labor laws.
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